President Obama Finally Appoints USAID Administrator

by Mike Smith · 2009-11-11 10:27:00 UTC
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After hundreds of days of waiting, President Obama has finally nominated an administrator for USAID (United States Agency for International Development). Dr. Rajiv Shah currently works as Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the Department of Agriculture, so be sure that hunger and malnutrition will be paid close attention, as will to agricultural development. Prior to working for the government, Dr. Shah was Director for Agricultural Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Of the nomination, President Obama explained "The mission of USAID is to advance America’s interests by strengthening our relationships abroad. Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it works to achieve this important goal." Mr Obama made specific recognition of the work that the acting-administrator and the whole agency had done to jump-start the $20 billion initiative for agricultural development in developing countries.

Writing to collegues, Dr. Shah explained that he would be sad to leave US DoA: "While this is an amazing opportunity to contribute to the Obama Administration’s priorities, today has been a bit bittersweet as well." In order to really amplify his role ModernizeAid suggests giving him a seat at the National Security Council and entirely revitalizing USAID in order to strengthen development and foreign assistance.

Photo credit: Simminch

Mike Smith
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